PA News Update!!!

                

 

Check This Out!

 

New Labor Department Health Careeers Portal Includes PAs

2012-05-16

         AAPA is among the groups that had input on the U.S. Department of Labor on a new online portal for to assist new entrants and un- and under-employed persons transition into high paying, high growth healthcare careers.

         Called Virtual Career Network (VCN), the online portal was sponsored by the Labor Department’s Employment and Training Administration, and developed and operated by the American Association of Community Colleges.

        VCN will help those interested in the health professions determine whether such a career is appropriate for them by linking visitors to labor market information and experiential information, such as career videos or “day-in-the-life stories.” The online portal also answers common questions about salary and job growth.

After looking around VCN, a visitor should be able to:

Decide which healthcare career is the best fit for them;

Identify the credential(s) needed to get and hold a job in the career or career path they choose;

Locate an appropriate instructional program, either online or at a local community college, completion of which would lead to obtaining that credential;

Receive the developmental education (directly through the platform) where online assessments determine that additional academic preparation is required to meet the prerequisites for entry into that school and/or instructional program;

Find and apply for financial aid to help cover costs of taking such an instructional program; and

Create and maintain a personal Career Management Account in which they can store all of this information (and more), maintain personal control over their academic, counseling, and work records, and (over time) direct their own career development.

The Virtual Career Network’s PA webpage is here.

http://www.vcn.org/healthcare/careerdetails?onetcode=29-1071.00

Copy n paste! :)




         This is very interesting, I know that there are many websites out there that give this type of information to the user. What is very unique about VCN I believe is the ability to see "day-in-the-life stories" and the ability to sign up for any classes on VCN to help you accomplish your credentials. I think this will further help those individuals who seek a health proffession career information so they can pick the best profession for them.  I wish they had the VCN fired up 3.5 yrs ago when I was looking into the PA profession because it would have been an excellent resource to maintain a path to accomplishing that goal. Again, VCN, pretty neat!

Apartment Shopping

        Well, I spent the last two day apartment shopping and I had a great time. It all came together for me, and I beleive I got quite the deal. Very spacious for a single man I must add, and 1.5 miles from the program. I plan on biking during the warmer months, and there is a pool to enjoy during the 1 month that I will be there prior to school starting in August. I plan on moving in the middle of July.

        I was able to meet with the director for a short period of time, as well as one of the Dr.'s who interviewed me. The least I could do was tell them thank you, like a million times! lol

        Great times to come, and I'm ready to meet some of my class mates!

PA News Update!!!

                                PA News Update!!!!

 

Continuing the Discussion on Changing the Title of the PA Profession

2012-05-03

by Robert Wooten, PA-C, AAPA president

This past October in response to increased interest, I wrote to all PAs urging your input on whether the title of the PA profession should remain “physician assistant” or be changed to “physician associate” or another title. I also encouraged an active discourse among all PAs and pledged that the Academy would help promote this dialogue in advance of the 2012 House of Delegates meeting that, as dictated in our bylaws, serves as a forum for debate on matters impacting the PA profession’s continued growth and prominence in America’s health care system.
First and foremost, thank you for sharing your thoughts and opinions. Since then, the Academy has promoted a series of listening sessions, point-counterpoint articles, and several blog discussions that included this topic. I am pleased that similar discussions have occurred in other PA publications, websites and social media. To help provide greater information, the following two questions were included in this year’s PA census survey questions.
Are you in favor of a name change from physician assistant for the profession?

• Yes change it to Physician Associate
• Yes, change it to: _______________
• No
• I'm not sure/I'm not interested
• I prefer not to answer

Would you be willing to pay for the direct and indirect costs for a name change?

• Yes, without hesitation
• Yes, with hesitation
• No
• I don't know
• I prefer not to answer

         In brief, among the nearly 15,000 PAs who answered these questions, 45.5 percent were in favor of a title change, 33.6 percent were against and 20.9 percent indicated they were either not sure, interested or preferred not to answer the question. Less than two percent of PAs recommended a professional title other than physician associate, which included physician extender, medical practitioner and associate physician.

         When it comes to paying for the direct and indirect costs of a title change, 46.2 percent of PAs did not want to pay for the associated costs, 36.3 percent of PAs were willing to pay and 17.6 percent did not know or preferred not to answer.

         Among the 45.5 percent of PAs in favor of the professional title change, 70.5 percent were willing to pay, 10.9 percent against paying and 18.6 percent did not know or preferred not to answer.For the 33.6 percent of PAs against a title change, 91.2 percent were not willing to pay, 4.1 percent willing to pay and the 4.7 percent did not know.

        A cross-tabulation breakdown of the responses for these two questions by age, gender, practice and membership can be found on AAPA's website.

       For the benefit of the discussion, the Academy has also compiled current PA professional identification requirements by state. More specific cost impact information on a potential professional title change is being developed and will be available at the House of Delegates meeting.
Every PA is represented at the House of Delegates through their state and uniformed services chapters, specialty organizations, caucuses and the student academy. PAs interested in expressing their opinion on this issue should contact your delegate(s) to ensure that your position is represented by the delegation. Contact information for your delegate(s) is typically available on your state, specialty or service organization’s website or through the AAPA Membership Directory. Debate on this and other issues impacting the PA profession will occur at the 2012 AAPA House of Delegates meeting on May 26-28 in conjunction with this year’s annual conference, IMPACT 2012 in Toronto.
I know that the varied opinions on this matter run deep. It is my sincere hope that we maintain an open and respectful dialog, in keeping with the high standards this profession represents.


         My thoughts on this are the following: I believe that we should change our titles to Physician Associate because it would place a pinch more confidence and stability in our patients. I guess I'm saying that those patients who have never encountered a PA for care will feel a bit more confident because the term associate appears to make it seem as though we are more attached to the Physician...Better yet why not just call us Associate Physician?! haha ....what do you think?

Now The Fun Begins!

So now I have one pre-req I have to complete prior to my departure in the beginning of July to Toledo,OH .   I've received my financial aid packet and am an official Rocket of Toledo University College of Medicine. I'm so jacked and have been reading on other blogs about PA school. So intense, yet so rewarding in so many aspects of life.

I'm taking a child development class starting this month on the 14th, and it ends on June 8th. It's a m-f class at my University.

I'm going to pick out an apartment as close to the Medical Center as I can next week. It's an 8 hr drive that better be productive that's all I have to say.

I've been spending some of my spare time refreshing on the endocrine system, and pretty much all the body systems I can. I've spoken to many who've succeeded and they all say the schools hit the ground running, so I want to be able to run when the day comes!

It's such a humbling feeling to have been accepted still, and I can't wait to immerse myself in more advanced medical material that will actually be UTILIZED in the field. I know this upcoming 2 yrs will be unforgettable without a doubt!

For those re-applicants, I say stay with it and if you have any questions let me know because I was once in your shoes. As stated earlier in my blog I was shut down by 4 schools before I was accepted to the 5th. My number one pick school didn't even afford me an interview, so I felt depressed and let down. Let me know if you have an interview and I will give you some pointers if need be, as the interview is the time to shine amongst your competition!


" Shoot for the moon, for if you fall short, you will still land amongst the stars."

PA News Update!!!!

                                Happened Last Month!

On Tuesday, March 27, the Pennsylvania House passed House Bills 1832 and 1833, legislation that would eliminate the state’s co-signature requirement, allow PAs to sign any form a physician can and allow PAs to begin practicing after filing a practice agreement with the appropriate state board of medicine. Determining co-signature policy at the practice or facility level is one of AAPA’s Six Key Elements of a Modern PA Practice Act.

Modernizing the PA Practice Act has been a top goal of the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants this legislative session. The legislation was unopposed and now moves to the senate.



 Nice to know that our "John Hancock" is just as equalivent as our Supervising Physicians!

Never Give Up!!.....Here Is Why!

                                        "Never" Give Up!

         I seriously looked at other options for my plans of life when I kept receiving denial letters from programs I thought I would "at least" get an interview with.   I applied last year 11' July and within 2 wks received a denial letter. Those letters kept coming until the end of January...:( 

         I have never been soooo down in my life! I was looking at how I would gradually get there, because it appeared that all other schools were telling me that I wasn't good enough or something. In all actuality I knew that I was just as qualified as the accepted applicants. Even though we all have different backgrounds, I knew that I worked super hard to meet my goal...acceptance.


         I ran into a surgeon at the gym, and I told him how I did all this amazing stuff, and I kept receiving denial letters. His comment was, "they are looking for someone older and mature, your so young and they see that. Also, If I had to go back again I would just be a nurse and travel. He said PA's don't get paid enough to do the work they do." In my head... I know I'm 22, but what I've accomplished already takes a great level of maturity such as being a Basic Life Support Instructor and presenting to PA's, MD's, and Nurse Case Managers to help instill patient centered care!?! I've already worked hard and placed what was in my heart on the line to accomplish these obstacles to get closer to acceptance....I have to keep pushing through."

         I think it's so funny how Life can attempt to steer you off the beatin path, and at this point I put sooo much work into strengthening my weaknesses, and fortifying the best of myself.  I couldn't take his opinion because I had 20/20 vision......seeing opportunity in the challenge.

                                   My Method To The Madness!!

         I want everyone to know that it takes only 2 days, to become a BLS Instructor. Become one and start teaching a little bit.  You make your own schedule and can set your own rate for students. Honestly, I didn't even charge my students, I did it for FREE! They saved anywhere from $20 to $80's. The picture was much larger in my mind, and I was not there to make money, but improve upon my confidence, and build presentation skills.  This is obviously a great way to build upon your communication skills. The ability to articulate and grow stronger within by standing in front of people. I told myself that if I really want to become a PA, I want to be able to articulate and be an effective communicator. This what they are looking for anyway during the interview, and future practitioner.  Check out your local community college for course listings and become one now!

         Become an EMT or something that allows PAID patient contact. Volunteering is good because you can scope out PA's to shadow and learn from. However, this is not going to get you the validity you need on your application. It has to be paid. I almost forgot....do not work for a 24hr service. This is the main reason my GPA suffered in the first 3 semesters of undergrad. If they are 24hr shifts, fit in only 1-2 shifts/wk. It could be a hindrance to your ability to study and make those A's we attempt to strive for, especially if your a full time student at a University taking those tougher science courses.

         Look at your local community college continuing education page and search for health care courses. There  should be some small classes you can take, such as basic EKG interpretation, Phlebotomy basic/advanced, tough situations in health care, BLS Instructor course, etc.  Take these small courses that are 8 hrs/ 2 days..mostly just 1 day courses. These little certificates can add up when your standing next to the other person if you know what I mean. 

         If anyone has any questions please don't hesitate, I know YOU can achieve acceptance, my GPA was a 3.2 overall, it was my attitude that made my altitude!  Also, a touch from GOD! IN HIS NAME SAKE>>>>AMEN!!

One Word: ACCEPTED!!

         A true blessing from the HEAVENS! 4 doors closed, and 1 opened. I only had one interview and I apparently blew it up! I've been accepted and start in August.  This is a testiment to what persistance and hard work can result in.  I know the research that I did prior to the interview was a contributing factor, becuase I felt I set myself apart from the other applicants.  Please, if there is anyone out there that believes they cannot get in to PA school, or has doubts, just keep your chin up becuase GOD has a plan.......
                         " If you give up by defeat, then you give up on GOD" -anonymous

    Upon putting in my application last July I had already recieved a denial letter in 2 wks, I continued to recieve denial letters up to this past Jan.  I only had 1 interview, and I did everything I could to make sure that I was on point with current events, the background of the school, the staff, and most importantly the history of the profession.  During the interview I made sure to ask questions such as: What do you think of Karen Bass being the first PA to inducted into congress in 2010? Or What do you consider a strength of your program? Or What do you think about the recent passing of the Hospice Access Care Act?

      Questions and proactiveness is YOUR ammo, and knowone can take that from you! Use it to your advantage and show them that you want to be there. Make sure to shake hands and make eye contact with every faculty member there you can.  I left my interviews with a hand shake everytime. When the 4 hr interview was over and we were walking out I WAS THE ONLY APPLICANT TO SHAKE THE HAND OF THE "PA-C' WHO WAS WATCHING US THE LONGEST THROUGHTOUT THE INTERVIEW PROCESS!  I seriously looked back as I was leading the line of 8 applicants, and knowone shook her hand on the way out. During the group interview, I was the ONLY one to shake hands with the faculty member who interviewed.

      Shaking hands is a small part of the puzzle, but show them that you want to be there, and you want to be a PA by sharing with them what you already know!

         "  Failing to plan, means planning to fail "